Wise Sayings of Solomon

It’s the 10^th day of August, my 10^th post this month, and I am using the 10^th chapter of Proverbs for insights and inspirations. Although each day’s meditation stands alone, I direct the reader to my post of August 1 for an introduction to this month’s exercise.

The book of Proverbs shifts with chapter 10 to a series of “Wise Sayings of Solomon.” In general, the chapter deals with wickedness versus righteousness, and you’ll enjoy reading the entire chapter through.

Certain verses speak to me, for various reasons. The first is this:

A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
A child who gathers in summer is prudent,
but a child who sleeps in harvest brings shame. (Prov 10:4-5, NRSV)

All too recently I have learned the need to produce, to provide a solution to people’s problems. Having pretended to be “semiretired” for a time, I am now back in full force. I wish to make this world a better place for my having been here. That won’t happen if I sit back and do nothing. What are you providing that is adding value to our world?

The next verse is a great illustration of the power of love over hate:

Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses. (Prov 10:12, NRSV)

The following verse throws a monkey wrench into the need for diligence, especially when substituting the text in the footnote, as I have done:

The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and toil adds nothing to it. (Prov 10:22, NRSV)

My take on this paradox is that diligence has its own rewards, and yet blessings can never be earned. There is cause-and-effect in this universe, but the Universe is not a puppet to be manipulated. What are your thoughts on this?

Finally, there is this wonderful verse:

Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes,
so are the lazy to their employers. (Prov 10:26, NRSV)

This is a great argument for a home-based business with no (outside) employees. I can help you with this. Just ask.

Tagged as: proverbs, righteousness, solomon, wickedness